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Drilling Rig Jobs in Alberta (NOW HIRING)

Derrickhand

Edmonton, AB ยท On-site

CA$48.70/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

A Derrickhand oversees some of the machinery on the rig and is responsible for the conditioning of the drilling fluid and the circulation machinery. The Derrickhand spends 25% of there time up the ...

Prepare, review, and submit accurate and timely drilling invoices in accordance with customer contracts and billing requirements * Analyze rig tour sheets, daily activity reports, and contracts to ...

On-Site At Precision Drilling, our mission is to deliver safe, sustainable, and high-performance ... The Electrical Engineer designs and supports electrical and automation solutions that enhance rig ...

On-Site At Precision Drilling, our mission is to deliver safe, sustainable, and high-performance ... rig machinery and mechanical equipment. In this role, the Journeyman also works closely with the ...

Precision Drilling Corporation Work Arrangements: On-Site At Precision Drilling, our mission is to ... rig performance data * Manage contractor compliance systems (ISNetworld, Veriforce, ComplyWorks ...

Senior Mechanical Engineer

Calgary, AB ยท On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Life

Some days you'll be designing in CAD, other days you'll be at the shop testing equipment, assembling prototypes, overseeing manufacturing or on a drilling rig commissioning new equipment. Key ...

... rig machinery and mechanical equipment. They will work on advanced and complex components and projects to further improve their knowledge and skill set. CULTURE: Precision Drilling fosters a strong ...

Sonic Driller/Drillers in Training

Calgary, AB ยท On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Life

Since 1972, we've delivered information through drilling, sampling and in-situ testing on ... rig and general working area while abiding by all safety regulations. A successful candidate must ...

Coordinate with rig crews, drilling engineers, and directional teams * Maintain detailed operational logs and shift reports * Troubleshoot and perform basic maintenance on MPD equipment * Ensure all ...

MPD Operator

Leduc, AB ยท On-site

Key Responsibilities * Assist with rig-up and rig-down of MPD equipment * Support operation of MPD systems during drilling activities * Monitor pressures and fluid flow, reporting any issues promptly ...

Service Rigs - Derrickhands

Lloydminster, AB ยท On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

The Derrickhand is an experienced service rig worker and performs some well servicing tasks from an ... drilling services across Canada and maintains a United States presence through Stoneham Drilling.

Service Rigs - Derrickhands

Red Deer, AB ยท On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

The Derrickhand is an experienced service rig worker and performs some well servicing tasks from an ... drilling services across Canada and maintains a United States presence through Stoneham Drilling.

Service Rigs - Derrickhands

Red Deer, AB ยท On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

The Derrickhand is an experienced service rig worker and performs some well servicing tasks from an ... drilling services across Canada and maintains a United States presence through Stoneham Drilling.

Experienced Floorhand

Grande Prairie, AB ยท On-site

CA$35 - CA$37/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

The Role GrizzlyTrek is seeking experienced floorhands to join our valued client's team on drilling and service rig operations, with crews based out of Grande Prairie, Alberta. These are full-time ...

Showing results 21-40

Drilling Rig information

See Alberta salary details

$12

$30

$67

How much do drilling rig jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average hourly pay for drilling rig in Alberta is $30.01, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.99 and $29.57 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a drilling rig?

A drilling rig is a complex machine used to create holes in the ground, most commonly for the exploration and extraction of oil, natural gas, or water. These rigs can be massive structures used offshore or smaller, mobile units for land-based drilling. Drilling rigs are equipped with specialized equipment to drill, circulate drilling fluids, and handle extracted materials. The type of rig used depends on the location, depth, and purpose of the drilling operation.

What are drilling rig jobs?

Six positions on an oil rig crew run the operations of both onshore and offshore drilling rigs. As the rig manager, you are in charge of the company's interests. You oversee all personnel and operations and report program progress to your superiors. As a driller, you monitor drilling procedures and ensure that all other personnel follows safety and efficiency protocol. As a derrickhand, you maintain and repair the circulating system equipment. Your duties as a leasehand include setting up and taking down the drilling equipment and keeping an organized work environment. The floorhand's responsibilities include manipulating pipe sections and drill stems. Finally, as the motorhand, you operate the diesel and electric engines that keep the rig running.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a drilling rig operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Drilling Rig Operator, you need strong mechanical aptitude, knowledge of drilling operations, and relevant certifications such as Well Control or IADC Rig Pass. Familiarity with drilling equipment, safety systems, and industry-standard software like drilling data acquisition systems is essential. Attention to detail, teamwork, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for safe and efficient operations. These skills and qualifications are vital to ensure operational safety, minimize downtime, and maintain productivity in demanding environments.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working on a drilling rig, and how can they be managed?

Professionals working on a drilling rig often encounter challenges such as long shifts, physically demanding tasks, and exposure to harsh weather conditions. Teamwork is essential, as safety depends on clear communication and collaboration among crew members. Adapting quickly to changing situations and following strict safety protocols helps manage risks and ensures smooth operations. Regular training and support from experienced colleagues also play a key role in overcoming these challenges and fostering a safe, productive work environment.

What is the difference between Drilling Rig vs Drilling Operator?

AspectDrilling RigDrilling Operator
CredentialsCertifications in equipment operation, safety trainingSame certifications, plus operational training
Work EnvironmentOn-site at drilling locations, heavy machineryOn-site, operating drilling equipment
Industry UsageUsed to describe the equipment and infrastructureRefers to the personnel operating the equipment

The drilling rig is the large structure used to drill wells, while the drilling operator is the worker who operates the rig. Both roles require similar certifications and work in the same environment, but the rig refers to the equipment, and the operator refers to the personnel managing it.

What are the most commonly searched types of Drilling Rig jobs in Alberta?

The most popular types of Drilling Rig jobs in Alberta are:

What are popular job titles related to Drilling Rig jobs in Alberta?

For Drilling Rig jobs in Alberta, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Drilling Rig job openings in Alberta as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 17% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $62,417 per year, or $30 per hour.

Derrickhand

Drilling Services

Edmonton, AB โ€ข On-site

CA$48.70/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life

Posted 26 days ago


Job description

Position Summary: The Derrickhand position is deemed to be a “Safety Sensitive” position due to the proximity of heavy industrial machinery. A Derrickhand handles the uppermost section of the drilling string as it is brought from or lowered into the wellbore or drill hole. A Derrickhand oversees some of the machinery on the rig and is responsible for the conditioning of the drilling fluid and the circulation machinery.

The Derrickhand spends 25% of there time up the rigs derrick and plays the lead role in stacking and guiding pipe as it is tripped in and out or reconnected into the hole. A Derrickhand works with the mud systems, monitors weight and mixes weight properly while reporting any changes. The position requires mixing chemicals, monitoring pump manifolds and most importantly, good communication with the Driller and the Engineer.


Position is full-time seasonal position. Seasonal work is based on operational requirements, project schedules, weather and environmental conditions and other factors outside our control.


Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

  • Assist Driller with equipment maintenance specifically related to the circulating system.
  • Assist with pipe guiding while positioned in the derrick and climb the derrick.
  • Observe and maintain proper drilling fluid characteristics, rate of fluid circulation, mud handling equipment and preventative maintenance programs.
  • Work on or above the drilling floor, guide drilling pipe during tripping process.
  • Ensure usage of proper safety equipment.
  • Ability to follow directions, comply with company guidelines and work in a safe manner.


Job Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

  • Ability to work safely and plan ahead.
  • Strong Leadership skill.
  • Ability to work in a team setting.
  • Strong communication and organization skills.
  • Strong Mechanical aptitude and Manual dexterity.
  • Ability to judge distance and spatial relationships.


Experience:

  • Previous hands-on experience in all position up to and including Derrickhand


Certifications and Licenses:

  • Must be at least 18 years of age.
  • Valid H2S Alive Certification.
  • Valid CSO Certification
  • Standard First Aid Level C CPR
  • Loader Operator certification
  • Confined Space Entry and Rescue
  • Fall Protection and Fall Rescue for rig work
  • Must possess a valid driver’s license and reliable transportation


Why Western Drilling?

  • Family Health & Dental benefits.
  • Up to 5% RRSP matching contributions.
  • 60-day free coverall program.
  • Competitive wages.


Western Energy is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion. We are pleased to consider all qualified applicants for employment.

#ZR

Company Description

Western operates contract drilling services across Canada and maintains a United States presence through Stoneham Drilling. Within Canada, Western also provides well servicing and high-quality rental services to support a broad range of customer needs. Across all operations, the company remains committed to safe, efficient, and reliable energy service solutions.